Flash Diffuser?

[JoeDif]

I have it and it's pretty convenient. Instead of the 20" umbrella, I went with a larger 32" model. The brolly grip and the umbrella both collapse to the same size about eight inches in length.

To use it, I tend to cross-over my arms instead of holding them wide apart. I'll hold the brolly grip in my left hand and cross it under my right arm. That lets me support the camera on my left should and control it with my right hand while still getting an off-axis flash from a large soft source.

It works well, but as I said, I probably look like a dork while using it.

I was thinking a larger umbrella would work as well.

Hey if it produces flattering light then the dork factor can be overlooked

 

[Shutterbug]

revisiting this thread...

I was at the North American International Auto show in Detroit couple weeks back. Some of the manufacturers did have female product spokespersons (models talking about the cars). So this was a good time to practice some use of flash.
I really didnt get the results I was hoping for.
In a place like that there are really no walls and the ceiling too high to bounce a flash off of. Plus you are on the move alot or the girls were on moving platform so the flash mounted on the camera is basically all you have to work with. I didn't have any diffuser so many of my flash shots were on the harsh side. So I am going to look into these flash diffusers.
Question for those that use flash diffusers, how much do you adjust your flash compensation?

 

[jimim]

Here's my input. Just what I do but this has change a bit since moving to manual.

I use a Joe Demb "saucer" the nice thing about it if you don't have a lower ceiling or a surface that is "close to white" you can bend it more forward on the flash and you will get the look you need. Joe told me to dial down my flash a bit when i did this if needed. worked perfect.

The other nice thing is if you need less bounce you can bend it back a bit according to Joe and it works well also.

Also the size of the saucer vs his others gives a nice amount surface area that is needed to give a more natural look.

I also have the collapsible Steve Fong. It gives nice surface area to give a more natural look but I don't think it's as easy to use as Joe's. Maybe it's me too cause I never really gave it a chance. I just love Joe's product.

I have used it for about 3 years now and love it. It lives on my flash and is very easy to use at disney. folds up nice. Waaaaaay smaller than the Steve Fong piece even pushed down.

It really works, but I will say now that i'm shooting manual 100% time while using it things are even better. Even more control now. Before I had to dial down my flash a bit when pointing it forward when needing more fill flash outside for example. Now I just make a quick change to my aperture or my shutter speed and i get even better results.

jimi

Sorry if my wording is not perfect. I'm not the best at getting my thoughts out via type vs talking. lol

 

[jimim]

revisiting this thread...

I was at the North American International Auto show in Detroit couple weeks back. Some of the manufacturers did have female product spokespersons (models talking about the cars). So this was a good time to practice some use of flash.
I really didnt get the results I was hoping for.
In a place like that there are really no walls and the ceiling too high to bounce a flash off of. Plus you are on the move alot or the girls were on moving platform so the flash mounted on the camera is basically all you have to work with. I didn't have any diffuser so many of my flash shots were on the harsh side. So I am going to look into these flash diffusers.
Question for those that use flash diffusers, how much do you adjust your flash compensation?

if you look at my post i have a few answers to your question above. I would adjust my flash output diff for all situations. When i have it bent forward sometimes 1.5 to 2 stops down. and when i don't have a surface to bounce off like outside or high ceilings i bend it forward.

jimi